Incubator



July 7, 1925.

'W. F. HILLPOT INGUBATOR Original Filed July 26. 1922 5 eet 1 I Elnnmtnr:

July 7,, 1925 I 1,545,425

- W F. HILLPOT v INCUBATOR Original Filed July 26, 1922 .5 Sheets-Sheet 5 July 7, 1925. 1 5415.425

W. F. HILLPOT INCUBATOR Original Filed July 26. 1922 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Hfi/IZ July 7, 1925. 1345 425 W. F. HILLPOT INCUBATOR Original Filed July 26, 1922 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 WWW/11m c Hz m m2 Patented July 1925 1,545,425 UNITED, stares PATENT OFFICE.

'WILLIAM FINNEY-nmtrot, or nnnncn rowlv. NEW JERSEY.

Original application filed J'ul y 28, 1 8 22, Seria1 no. 577,499.. Divided and this application flled'A'ugnlt 27,

1923. Serial No. 659,428.

To all whom it may concern: I

Beit known that I, WIL'pIA'M FINNEY HILLroT, a citizen of the United States, re-

siding at Frenchtown, in. the county of 'Hunterdon and State of New Jersey, have invented a certain new anduseful Improvement in Incubators, whereof the following 'is a specificatiOm reference being had 1:? the accompanying drawings.

*It is the, object of my inventionto provide meansfor supporting eggs, during the period of incubation thereof, in such manner that the eggs may be'repeatedly turned, at.

eggsin such relation to each other that they may be individually inspectedatany time.

A characteristic feature of my invention is that each eggis so supportedthat it may be tilted in two vertical'planes, at right angles to eac other, so that even without changing the position of the eggs with respect to the supporting element with which they are in direct Contact, each egg may be disposed, in succession,-in four different positions of rotation withrespectto the earth.

As hereinafter described, I find it convenient to provide supporting means of the character above contemplated, including trays which are square frames open at the top but covered at the bottom with" foraminous material, such as insect wire screening; each of .said trays having opposite axially alined trunnions intermediate of its width, coinciding with its horizontal axis of oscillation; so that eachsuch tray maybe oscillated in a vertical plane. Moreover, I find it convenient to mount a series of such trays, I

with their respective axes of oscillation parallel with each other, in a holder which is a rectangular,parallelogram frame, having bearings at its opposite longitudinal sides, fornthe respective trunnions of said series of. trays, and having means supporting said frameso that it may betilted upon a horizontal axis-0f oscillation, in transverse relation to the axes of oscillation of the trays which it supports. Such holder su porting means preferably includesflexib e connectors to which said holder, frames are attached so as to be suspendedby such conof the the embryos from is raised, the opposite-edge is correspondingly depressed; so 'as to thus incline the series of trays supported by said holder. The construction and arrangement above contemplated are such, that the freedom .of;movements of said trays and holders are such that the trays may betilted in either direction, upon their individual aXes,-regardless position in which such, tray axes are held by the holder, and, the holders may'be tilted,-in either direction, regardless of the position in which the a trays. which they hold are tilted; so that'each tray may be ,disposed in several different positions with respect to the. earth, as above, contemplated,

and with the object and effect of preventing sticking to the shells. For instance, each tray may be" tilted, upon its arms, to and from horizontal positlon, and inclined in either of I trays may be tilted to and from horizontal position, andinclined in either of two opposite directions, and the latter directions may be transverse to the directions of tilt of said trays. y

As hereinafter described, such trays may be thus supported within any suitable hous ing adapted to more or less confine an atmosphere which may the proper degreefor incubation of the eggs under treatment. I

My invention includes the various novel features of construction, arrangement and prgcedure hereinafter more definitely speci- In said drawings; Fig, I is a plan view of a. convenient embodiment of my invention, including a series of three egg trays mounted in. an oblong holder inafter termed a rack.

Fig. II is a front edge elevation of the.

structure shown in Fig; I; with said trays and holder frame in horizontal position.

Fig. III is a front edge viewlof said two opposite direc-v tions; and the holder for such a series of be conveniently heated to.

frame, hereone of said egg trays, taken on the line V,.

V, in Fig. I, but on a larger scale.

Fig..VI'is a fra entary sectional view of the left-hand en of the egg tray shown in Fig. V, but on a larger scale, and with'a similar egg tray/inverted over it'to form an. -1nclosure for the hatched chicks.

Fig. 'VII isfa' fragmentary end elevation of a vertical series of-egg traysv and their res ective holders, such as shown in Figs. I

an II, with convenient means for oscillating the holder frames, arranged to tilt the axes of oscillation of the individual egg trays; wherebysaid trays are arranged to be tilted in altitudinal planes which are in transverse relation to each other.

Fig; VIII is a fragmentary edge elevation of the stru'ctureshown in Fig. II, buton a larger scale, showin details of construction and arrangement 0 means for temporarily detaining the res ctive trays in their different positions 0 inclination. I I

Fig. IX is a plan view of the fragmentary structure shown in Fig. VIII.

Fig. X is a diagrammatic elevation of an embodiment of my invention, wherein a series of such egg traysfand holders may be successively progressed, vertically, by endless chain conveyors, in an iIlOlOSllilG heated to ,diflerent temperatures at different regions, adapted for the best incubating effect. y Y

Fig-XI is a diagrammatic, partly sectional, elevation of the structu eshown in Fig. X, taken on the line XI, X1 in Fig."X."

Fig. XII is a front edge view of a series ofi'the structure shown in'Fig. III, connected in multiple operative relation. I

Fi XIII is a fragmentary, partly sectiona view of: the-upper shaft shown in Fig: witli sprocket wheels respectively rigidly. and frictionally held on said shaft.

' Fig. XIV is a fragmentary perspective view showing the construction and arrangement whereby the holder racks are automatically engaged and disengaged at thetop and bottom bights of the-chains where they extend around the sprocket wheels in u said figures; the egg trays each prise a rectangular, and convementlysquare, marginal frame 1, which is open'at the top, and covered at the bottom with a web 2,

preferably of foraminous material adapted to support the eggs3 while permitting free circulation of air around them. Such a web is conveniently formed of insect screen wire,

and ispreferably reinforced. and supported at intervals ,bythe cross bars 5 which are rigidly connected at their opposite ends with the opposite side walls of said frame 1.

Each of said tra s 1 is provided with-trunnions 6, axially a med at the middle of each tray and projecting .from opposite sides thereof, colncident with the axis of oscillation ofthe tray.- Means supporting said trays with their trunnions, extending -hori-. zontall for altitudinal tilting movement, 'i. e., ti ting movement whereby their angular height may be varied, in a vertical plane, include a holder comprising a rectangular parallelogram frame 8, which, as indicatedin Figs. VIII and IX 'is conveniently formed of channel iron. Each of said holder frames 8 has bearings!) at its opposite longitudinal sides, 'for the respective trunnions 6; of said trays; the arrangement being-such that-the axes of oscillation of said trays, coincident with their respective trunnions 6, are parallel with each other, as indicated in Fig. I

Each of said holder frames has means supporting it-so thatit may be tilted upon a horizontal axis of oscillation, in transverse. relation to the axis of oscillation of the trays which it sl'i ports. For instance, as indicated in,Fig., II; each rack or holder frame 8 is suspended upon a flexible CPD-.- ,nect-or 10,- conveniently a chain, extending the .freedom of movement of said trays and holders permit each tray 1 tolbe tilted,

so as to be inclined in either of two opposite directions, upon "its individual axis, coincident with its trunnions 6, regardless of the position in which such axis .is held by its holder 8, and said holder may be tilted, so as to'be inclined in either 'oftwo o posite direct-ions, regardless of the position in which the trstly is tilted 'upon its individual axis aforesai so that each' tray may be inclined in at least. four different positions I with respect to the earth.

I find it convenient to: form said tray frames 1 of wood, and to provide each of their trunnions' fiwith a base plate 15 having holes to receive wood screws 16 by which it may be ri 'dly connected with such frames. Said earin 9 for the trunnions 6 have holes to receive machine screws 18 by which they are rigidly connected with the metal holder framesg8, in the'positions shown in Figs. .1 to inclusive. I also find it-convenient to provide detent means,

mplacement thereof until it is desired to change its position, as above contemplated, and such means may conveniently include to 'detaimeach tray in 'its position of adustment, so as to prevent accidental disstrips' of spring metal 19 which are bent to U-shape, as indicated in Figs. VIII and IX, and have hbles in their opposite ends whichregister with the holesin said trunnion base plates 15, so as to be engaged by said screws 16, and resiliently present the 'blght 20 of each strip; in position to selectively engage, in any oneof the three recesses 22, 23 or 24, the tapered inner end of a detent screw 26, which is in threaded engage= ment with the respective holder frame 8 and held in proper position therein by a j amnut 27. Itmay be observed that said recesses 22, 23 and 24 respectively correspond with the three positions in the range of tilting movement of the trays, indicated in the drawings.

vAlthough each tray may be thus independently adjusted. and retained in any selected position of inclination; I find it desirable to operatively connect such trays in vertical series, so that any desired number,

of themma be tilted by one movement ments naturally imparted to an incubating egg, by the mother bird, with the effect/that the embryos are prevented fromadhering to the lining membrane of the egg shells as they do "when the eggs are allowe to remain stationary. Moreover, such repeated movements of the eggs have a stimulating effect upon the development of the embryos so that more of the latter survive than is the case when the eggs are allowed to remain sta'tionagy.

As indicated in iglVI; said eg frame trays 1 may be used as ooopsfor the atched chicks 32, by inverting one tra over another. For instance, a vertica series of such trays may be' loaded with eggs at such intervals that the operator can predetermine which tray contains the eggs which have reached the hatching stage and invert another tray over that/particular tray; so as to prevent the escape of the hatched chlcks 32.

In order to facilitate such operation of my invention as last above contemplated; I find it convenient to not only arrange the egg trays and their holders in vertical series, as indicated .in Fig. VII, but to so support such series that, the trays-may be progressed through an atmosphere, the temperature of which may be controlled to such a degree as to afford the maximum efiiciency of hatching effect. It is generally understood that it is desirable to have the eggs in an .atniosphere which is warmer at-the; beginning of the incubating period than at the end thereof, and my invention may be embodied in'any suitable structure adapted for attaining that result. For instance, as indicated in Fig. X, such a vertical series of egg trays and rack frames may be detachably connected with and supported by endless chain belts 34 within a chamber 35in which the temperature may be controlled by'any suitable means. As indicated; said chamber is inclosed by the housing 36 including a platform or floor 37 at the upper level, where it is desired to. charge the trays 1 with fresh Y eggs, and said trays 1 are caused to gradually descend, by 34, through. said chamber 35, during the period of incubation, so that when'the eggs reach the. hatching stage, they are in the lowermost trays in'the series, and accessible from the lower platform or flo0r'38. Such movement of said chains an\ arrangement permits the trays and holder frames to be manually removed from the bottom of the vertical series aforesaid and recharged with fresh eggs, in succession; so that the incubating process is practically continuous, Of course, in such, a

structure, the atmos here in the chamber 35 can be maintaine .at any suitable temperature' in every part, by any suitable means. --It may be observed that even if source of heat is at the bottom of said cham- 'ber, the natural'convection currents are such as to cause theupper portion of. the chamber 35 to bewarmest, unless a fan or other suitable means are provided for counteracting such natural temperature conditions.

Although all of the movements of the egg trays and their holder frames above described maybe efi'ecte manually; I find it convenient to elfectv such movements auto matically. For instance, said chain belts 34 extend around sprocket wheels 40 and 41 which are respectively'mounted upon shafts 42 and 43, at the to and bottom of said chamber 35', and sai chains may be prograssed by providing one shaft 43 with a worm gear 45 engaged by a worm 46 driven by a small electric motor '48, and-operat1vel connecting that shaft with the other sha t 43, by any suitable means, for instance, a crossed belt or a transversely extending shaft having bevel gear connections w1th said shafts 43. Such a belt is indicated by the tively at .the top and bottom bights of said chains where ,they extend around said sprocket wheels. In the arrangement last described, the'sprocket wheels upon one side of the frames 8 may be rigidly connected with their respective shafts, whereas, the sprocket wheels upon the other side of .said

holder frames 8 may be frictionally engaged with their respective shafts, so that the chains 34 upon one side of said holder frames 8 may be shifted relatively to the chains 34 upon the opposite side of said holder frames 8, toeffect the tilting'movementsof said holders, as above described. I' find it convenient to'ef'f'ect such tilting move ments soasto change the position of the eggs at intervals of SIX hours, although, of course. such changes may be effected at any desired intervals.

Although, for the reasons stated above, it. I

is convenient toemploy my invention with the egg trays and thelr holders arranged in vertical series; of course, they maybe otherwise arranged. Therefore, I do not desire to- ,limit myself to the precise details of construction and arrangement herein, set forth,

, as it isobvious that variousmodifications may be made'therein without departing from the essential-features of my invention, as

defined in the appended claims.

This is a division of my original application Serial N0,.577,499 pursuant to which.

Letters Patent of the United States No. 1,489,597 were 'grantedto me April 8, 1924 i which includesclaims describing the generic mosphere through which'said trays are pro{ gresse'd; whereby,said trays and the incubating eggs therein may be successively subjected to different" temperatures, most effective for the incubating operation, at different stages thereof; such progressing means including endless flexible connectors and means for shifting them.

' 2. In an incubator; the combination'with a series of egg trays; of means arranged to support said trays with freedom of oscillatory movement in planes in transverse.

relations to each other; whereby the position of each egg may be changed at intervals; movable means supporting said trays, whereby they may be progressed, during the in".

I 3. In an incubator; the combination with a-series of egg trays; of-means arrangedto support said trays with freedom of. oscillatory movement in planes in transverse relation to each other; whereby the position of each egg may be changed at intenvals; movable means supporting. said tray '80 whereby they may be progressed, during the incubating operation thereof; and 'means including an electric motor, arranged to automatically move said supporting means; whereby, said trays and the incubating eggs therein may be successively subjected to different temperatures, most effective for the, incubating operation, at different stages," thereof, and .are progressed from a region of introduction of eggs to a region of dis-" chargeof chicks; such supporting means including endless belts.

4. In an incubator; the combination with parallel endless chain belts; of a rack hav- 1ng means to support eggs and means ar ranged to detachably engage said belts, ineluding projecting vstudsadapted to enter the links of said belts, in such relation thereto that they are automatically engaged and disengaged respectively at the opposite end bights of said belts; whereby, said rack and the incubating eggs supported therebyare progressed from a region of introduction of eggs to a region of discharge of. chicks; said belts being arranged to progress a series of such racks in succession at such rate that the egg contents of successive racks are hatched in succession as they reach said region of discharge of chicks and said racks are automaticallyreleased from said belts at that region. 5

5. In an incubator; the combination with parallel endless belts; of a rack having means to support eggs and means arranged to detachably engage said belts, at the end '115 bights of the latter and automaticall disengage said belts at the opposite end ights thereof; whereby said rack and the incubating eggs supported thereby are progressed from a region of introduction of 129 eggs to a region of discharge of chicks; said belts being. arranged to progress a series of suchracks in succession at such rate that the egg contents of successive racks are hatched in succession as they reach said region of discharge of chicks and said racks are automatically released from said belts at that region. i

6. In an incubator; thecombination with four parallel endless belts; of a rack havmamas ing means to support eggs and means arranged to detachably engage said belts, in

pairs at respectively opposite ends of said rack; wheels. supporting saidbelts; shafts for said Wheels; means rigidly connecting the wheels for one belt, of each pair with their shafts; means frictionally connecting the wheels of the other belt, of each pairwith their shafts; whereby, said rack may be progressed by simultaneous rotation of said Wheels and may be tilted by differential movement of the wheels whichare merely frictionally engaged with their shafts; so i that said rack may be progressed by said belts in horizontal position, and in positions of inclination'in diilerent directions, with consequent changes in position of the eggs carried thereby.

7. Inan incubator; the combination with endless belts; of a rack having means to support eggs and means arranged to detachably engage said belts; wheels supporting said. belts; shafts for said wheels;

whereby, said rack may bepro-gressed by simultaneous movement of said belts and may be tilted by difierential movement of said belts; so that said rack may be progressed by said belts in horizontal position, and in. positions of inclination in different directions, with consequent changes in position of the eggs carried thereby.

8 In an incubator; the combination with parallel belts; of a rack having means to support eggs and means ar'ranged to em.

gage said. belts; whereby, said rack may be progressed .by simultaneous movement of said belts and may be tilted by difierential movement of said belts; so that said rack may be progressed by said belts in horizontal position, and in positionsot inclination in difierent directions, with consequent changes in position of the eggs carried thereby. i

9. In an incubator; the combination with parallel endless chainbelts; of a rack hav-' ing means to support eggs and means ar ranged to detac ably engage said belts; whereby; said rack rnay be. tilted by differential movement of said belts; so that said rack may-be shifted to positions of inclination in different directions, with consequent. changes in position of the the eggs carried thereby, and may be shifted by said belts. from a region of chargeto a region of 

